*Butter the pouring lip of a measuring cup or pitcher to prevent dribbling.
Or spray the lip with nonstick cooking spray.
*After chopping garlic or onions, run a lemon quarter over both the knife blade and the cutting board to remove the odor.
*To deodorize a plastic storage container in which onions or garlic were stored, wash thoroughly, then stuff a crumpled piece of newspaper in the container, and snap on the lid. In a few days the smell will disappear.
*If something spills over in your oven, first sprinkle it with salt and remove with a metal spatula, then wipe with a damp sponge.
*Pans and dishes that have been used for mixing, beating, or cooking eggs [or milk or cheese] should be first rinsed with cold water, then washed with hot soapy water. A hot rinse "cooks" the eggs and makes things tougher to clean.
*To brighten aluminum cookware, add 1 to 2 quarts water and 2 to 4 tablespoons cream of tartar and boil 5 to 10 minutes. Rinse, scour lightly with a steel-wool soap pad, then rinse again.
*To remove pesky bottle tops and jar lids, don a pair of rubber gloves. Or twist a fat rubber band around the lid, then twist open. Works like a charm.
*Keep bottled lemon or lime juice or strong acidulated water (2 tablespoons lemon juice per 1 quart water) in a spray mister in the refrigerator and spray on cut apples, avocados, peaches, and pears, etc., to prevent browning
Three remedies for garlic breath:
Eat fresh parsley, chew on a coffee bean, eat a bowl of lime sherbet.
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Homemade ice packs:
Take a ziplock bag....put 2 cups water in it....then add 1/3cup alcohol..this can be rubbing alcohol or like vodka...make sure the proof is at least 80 if you do the liquor....mix together--freeze!!! This makes those wonderful gel type icepacks that are so expensive in the stores...you can add food coloring to them too -- pink or blue or purple. You could adjust the amounts to make smaller bags too. I would think that freezer bags would be better because they are thicker...oh and another note snack size bags leak...just so you don't try that one!! You could even hold the top over a flame and melt the top together if you think a little one may try to open it and eat it...Make sure to mark on the bag that it is and ice pack...do not eat me.
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Seven Quick & Easy Cleaning Tips
Cutting Boards: To clean wooden cutting boards scour them with salt and/or baking soda. To rid a cutting board of any smell rub it with a sliced lemon or lime.
Garbage Disposals: To help rid a garbage disposal of funny smells save lemon and lime rinds in a plastic bag in the refrigerator and grind them through the disposal as needed.
Meat Grinders: Run a piece of bread through a meat grinder before washing it to remove the small particles left behind.
Microwave Ovens: Boiling a cup of water inside a microwave for a few minutes before cleaning will help loosen the hardened food particles inside. Putting lemon in the water will also help remove odors.
Clear the Air: Here is a fast way to clear the air and put a holiday scent in the house. Put hot tap water in a pot, add cinnamon and apple cider, and simmer for 20 minutes.
Spray Oil: Spray your grill or cooking rack with oil before putting meat or other foods to cook. This prevents food from sticking and makes it much faster and easier to clean.
Fast Scissors: It is often quicker and less messy to use kitchen scissors when cutting up dried fruits, bread, cake, lettuce, spinach, parsley, watercress, etc. You can also cut right into the bowl and avoid dirtying a cutting board or a knife
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Seven Quick & Easy Shopping Tips
Fresh Fish?: Here is how to select fresh fish. Fresh fish has clear eyes that bulge a little, firm and shiny flesh, no darkening around the edges or brown or yellowish discoloration and, when pressed, the flesh should spring back. The fish should also smell fresh and mild and not fishy or ammonia-like.
Buying Refrigerated Items: When shopping select refrigerated or frozen items last so they stay cold longer. You should also make sure they pack them together in the grocery bag. Unload them first when putting away groceries.
Shopping for Refrigerated and Frozen Foods in Warm Weather: In hot weather or when there are more errands to do after grocery shopping, put an old cooler in the car or trunk to store refrigerated or frozen items until you get home.
Buying Bulk: You can save money buying many items in larger quantities (such as chicken breasts). You can also save time during the week if you separate them into usable portions before storing them in the freezer.
Faster Chicken: You can save time when cooking by buying chicken that is already skinned and boned. You will save money if you buy them in larger quantities and freeze the extra.
Clean Out Refrigerator: You should try and clean out your refrigerator before going to shop. It not only helps you to create a better grocery list but makes it easier and quicker to put away the groceries when you return from shopping.
Grocery List: To help you remember, code your grocery list with a "c" for a coupon and an "s" for an item you know is on sale.
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Seven Quick & Easy Food Storage Tips
Storing Soy Sauce: Soy sauce can be stored up to one year at room temperature if unopened and up to one year in the refrigerator after it is opened.
Storing Red Spices: Red spices such as chili powder, paprika, and ground red pepper should be stored in the refrigerator or in the freezer.
Storing Oily Seeds and Spices: Oily seeds such as sesame and poppy seeds should be stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent the oils from going bad.
Storing Ground and Whole Spices: Ground spices should be stored for up to six months if they are sealed tightly and located in a cool shelf or pantry. Whole spices can be stored up to one year in the same conditions.
Storing Peanut Butter: If peanut butter is kept at room temperature it can be stored for up to one year unopened. After opening it is best to keep it in the refrigerator for three to four months.
Storing Honey: If honey is tightly sealed it can be stored for years. If it begins to crystallize after opening it can be brought back to the proper consistency by heating in a microwave or by putting the jar in a bowl of warm water and then stirring.
Storing Vegetables: It is best to use fruits and vegetables within a few days of purchase to obtain the best flavor and nutrient value.
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